Seasons of the Moon

Volume 12 Issue 4
Lammas 2015

Seasons of the Moon is a quarterly online magazine published by students and members of The Order of The White Moon, an eclectic international order of women dedicated to The Goddess. The Order provides personal empowerment and priestess training, and operates local groups. All contributions are original material submitted by our students and members. (We do not accept outside contributions.) Please direct comments and questions to the Ezine Editor.

Seasons Of The Moon Editor and Council:
Ajna DreamsAwake
Kerritwyn Ceannaire, Moonwater Chalcedony Ashwood , Sea Dragon, Etain Feohwynn, Mystic Amazon, Maeve Cliodhna MoonBird

Lammas 2015

Contents

 
 

Goddess Work

Lammas - Origin and Customs

At the August Full Moon, Lug ( Llew Law Gyffes) celebrated his wedding with the goddess of the Earth Annona, the matron with the cornucopia who nourishes the world. Their time is the Harvest time and they reign until Samhain . Lugh's Festival was a Fire festival. Huge piles of wood were lit, the Fire symbolizing the metamorphosis of the god. During this time, water was taboo to the Island Celts. For three days there could be no washing, no bathing, no fishing, nor could a net be cast. The Corn*-King [*British English - meaning grain, crop], also known as the Corn-Wolf or Corn-Bear, was brought to the village in a solemn procession and sacrificed. The Anglo-Saxons called the feast for the blessing of the grain harvest Hlaf-mass, from which we get the word Lammas.

On the Feast of Lugh, all herbs that were necessary to keep the health and wealth of the farm/house in the coming year were consecrated. It made sense to collect the plants in these hot days. Aroma, taste and healing power are the expression of the cosmic powers of warmth and light that the plants are absorbing at this time of the year. The women consecrated these herbs to the goddess. The missionary Bonifatius, who had cut down the sacred trees of the heathens, tried to ban this custom in a synod of Liftinae (in the Year 743 CE). But the women were sticking to their ritual, and so, the church placed this tradition under the patronage of the Virgin Mary, saying that those herbs were the flowers found in her tomb instead of her body.The herbs were collected and consecrated to Holy Mary on her Ascension Day.

There were 9 Healing Herbs for protection against sorcery, fire and hail, herbs for a good cohabitation and to give an easy birth. Some of them were laid in the chest where crops where stored, others were put in the coffin of a deceased person. Many of them were used as incense, smoked during the sacred times, such as the Rauhnächte or winter equinox. These herbs were: Yarrow, Mugwort, Arnica, Marigold, Sage, Lovage, Dill, Valerian and Tansy.

The sacred bunches were embellished with corn stalks, the sky blue cornflowers were reminiscent of the cloak of the Goddess. The bundles of herbs were then framed with shorter growing herbs like camomile, creeping thyme, cleaver and feverfew. In the middle of the bundle, the goddess herself was symbolized by a branch of common mullein.

© Morrigan

My name is Morrigan. I am a Priestess of Morrigan and practice Shamanism, Runes, Tarot and Usui Reiki.  I am a sister in the  Sacred Three Goddess School.

 

Working with Mermaids & Ocean Deities

You will need:

1 White Candle for Spirit
1 Blue or Green Candle for Water/Ocean Deities
Seashells, anything to do with lakes, rivers, oceans.
Decorate your altar with blue, green and white.
Pictures or statues of mermaids/undines, Yemaya, sea creatures.
Yemaya oil, or any oil that reminds you of the sea.
A soothing incense, if desired

Call your Circle. Ask in the Higher Powers, the four Elements, your guides and guardians, and the guardians of North, South, East and West. Carve the blue or green candle with a symbol for water, or a seashell. Oil your candles. Light your candles, and then center yourself.

Say this invocation Three Times. (It is long, so make sure you have a glass of water to sip from).

The Calling of the Mermaids
(Invocation)

 
Mermaids, Mermaids
Soft and sleek,
And often found
In sea or creek;
It is your wisdom
That I seek.

 
Beauteous Liban,
Lorelei of the Rhine,
Ancient treasures
Help me find;
Gold and jewels
In the brine.

 
Hippocampus,
Neptune's horse,
Carry me
On the waves
That crash against
The shores.

 
Nereids ride dolphins
With Amphitrite,
Chanting magic spells
Day and night;
For beauty, balance
And the Light.

 
Melusine, half-serpent maid
Please come swimming
To my aid;
To manage money
With felicity,
It is this I ask of thee.

 
Teach me water magicks
Please,
To see the future,
Heal, control weather
On the seas;
Opening my third eye
With ease.

 
Mermaids, Mermaids
Charming and sleek,
Often found
In sea or creek;
Your magickal wisdom
I do seek.

Now, go sit or lie down in a comfortable place, we are going to do a visualization journey. After that, we will open the Circle.

The Ocean Journey

You are standing on a beach next to the ocean. A mermaid or ocean goddess comes up to you. She puts an amulet around your neck, and tells you it is for protection in any ocean or body of water. You will be able to communicate with sea creatures, deities & sea/water elementals both on this plane and the Astral. This amulet will be there whenever you want or need it. Then she gives you some sort of fish, right into your hands.

You see other sea animals and creatures around, and you pick one or two of them. Then you spend time talking with her telling her about your life, what your dreams and needs are. She listens sympathetically.

After you have spent enough time with her, you go into the ocean. There are sea animals and other mermaids and undines in there. You can either swim around on your own, or ride on a seahorse, dolphin, large turtle, or hippocampus (large fairy seahorse). You will have a wonderful time. When you get out, you are wearing Hawaiian clothes and flowers in your hair (all wet, of course)! You sit on the beach and eat with the mermaids, nereids and animals. Then when you are ready, you slowly count to ten and wake up.

When you wake up, you will say this thank-you to the Water Elementals. Say this one three times as well:

 
"Mermaids, mermaids
In the sea...

 
gifts, blessings
And protection
I ask of thee;
And as I will, So mote it be.

 
Teach us how
To honor thee...
Oh,
Thank you mermaids,
And blessed be!"

Then open your Circle and thank the Higher Powers, guides and guardians that you have asked to be with you. Then go to the door, open it and visualize blessings from the Sea deities coming into being. Then say, "So Mote it Be!"

© June 27, 2008
Beth Clare Johnson
(Mystic Amazon) Mystic Amazon is a High Priestess of the Order of the White Moon and an Ordained Minister, currently teaching at Sisters of the Rising Moon School. Her hobbies include writing, folk art, folk magick, Reiki, and reading.

Tailtiu

Tailtiu (Taltiu or Telta) is said to go back to the ancient Irish Earth Mother Goddess. Her name originates from the Old Irish talam (earth). Tailtu was a daughter of the great lowlands Mag Mor (Underworld) and married to King Eochaid ma Eir (Eochaid - Son of the Sky) who ruled over a tribe called the Fir Bolg. Tailtiu was the last queen of the Fir Bolg, and life in Ireland in her time was calm. Peace and Justice was common and as mother and goddess of the land she provided farmland to her people by clearing the forest of Breg for them. The invasion of the Túatha Dé Danann brought an end to this peaceful era. King Eochaid lost his life and Tailtiu became the foster mother of Lugh, the Celtic god of light.

The Book of the Taking of Ireland, by author Lebor Gabála Érenn, is a collection of poems and prose about the history of Ireland from the creation of the world to the Middle Ages. According to Lebor Gabála Érenn, when Tailtiu died (some sources say she died of exhaustion when clearing a forest to provide farmland), Lugh buried her underneath a mound that was named after her and was later called Teltown in the country Meath.

As a mourning ceremony for the death of his foster mother Tailtiu, Lugh founded the Tailteann Games. These games took place the last fortnight of July culminating with the celebration of Lugnasadh/Lammas. Modern Folklore claims that these games started around 1600 BCE, some even as far back as 1829 BCE. The games were held until 1171 CE when they died out. The purpose of the games was honouring the dead, proclaiming new laws and funeral games to entertain. These games were like the Olympic games, including running, long jump, hurling, spear throwing and many moreÉ

Ritual for Tailtiu on Lammas/Lugnasadh

You may want to build a pretty altar dedicated to Tailtiu. Think about a discipline, a sport or craft you would like to excel in, but somehow donÕt find the energy to go ahead. Write your goal on a piece of parchment or form a little figure from clay symbolising your wish and ask Tailtiu to support you. Place the parchment or symbol on your altar. You may also wish to offer Tailtiu some bread (see recipe below for Apple bread) to honor her in her role as the great mother goddess. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebor_Gab%C3%A1la_%C3%89renn

© Morrigan

My name is Morrigan. I am a Priestess of Morrigan and practice Shamanism, Runes, Tarot and Usui Reiki.  I am a sister in the  Sacred Three Goddess School.

Tools of the Trade

The Chalice

To continue with the Tools of the Trade series, today I will discuss the chalice. Just like the wands we talked about in the last issue of Seasons of The Moon, the chalice is also a magickal tool used in rituals, prayer, spell casting, and much more. It is used to help you direct energy towards a specific intent and for a specific purpose. As you continue down your Pagan path, you will probably end up with several chalices in your collection of tools. They are relatively inexpensive, portable, and can be easily disguised as just a special cup or glass for our sisters who are not completely out of the broom closet or have family and/or friends who are not as accepting of their religious path. Keep reading to learn more about the chalice and how it can enhance your magickal workings.

A Symbol of The Goddess

The chalice is one of the most important altar tools used by Pagans and Witches today. In fact, the chalice is a staple in most of the world's religions today. It is typically a wine glass or other type of goblet. It is one of the four elemental tools of Witchcraft, along with the wand, athame, and pentacle. It symbolizes the element of water. The chalice is also a symbol of The Great Goddess. It is commonly seen as a representation of female energies. Others use the chalice as a symbol of abundance, plentiful sustenance, and marriage.

The chalice is typically placed upon the right side of the altar, also known as the Goddess side. Though, your craft may be different and you may find a better location for your chalice. During rituals, the chalice symbolizes a woman's womb and the Divine Feminine, while the athame symbolizes the Divine Masculine. The Great Rite is a specific ritual where the athame is plunged into the chalice to symbolize the unity of man and woman. In other rituals, the chalice is passed around the circle so others can ritually drink the wine, water, or other liquid. The remaining liquid is poured onto the ground as an offering to the Goddess.

Chalice Materials

Unlike other tools, it really doesn't matter what your chalice is made of. Instead, speak to your Goddess and listen to your intuition to decide what chalice is best for you and your Craft. For example, in times of old, people used horns as chalices. Today, one woman may feel her chalice should be made of silver because she and/or her Goddess is best attuned to silver. Someone else may enjoy the rustic feeling of a chalice made of wood. Or, perhaps a glass chalice is ideal for you. If you follow an Earth Goddess, you may connect well with a chalice made of green or smoky agate. If you are a water sign, you may feel especially drawn to blue pottery chalices. Or you may buy a chalice just because it's your favorite color.

You can also engrave your chalice, or have a professional do it for you. You could have the triple moon Goddess symbol engraved on the front, your magickal name, or any other design or symbol that you'd like.

It's not uncommon for a Pagan to use different chalices for different occasions. For example, one Priestess I know uses a black chalice on the Dark Moon, and a Triple moon chalice on waxing and full moons. For regular spell-work and rituals, she uses a white chalice with a triquetra symbol painted on the front.

Making A Chalice vs Purchasing A Chalice

One great thing about chalices is that you can find them just about anywhere. If you're looking for a great deal, check out wine glasses and goblets at yard sales, discount stores, and department stores. Don't forget to check your very own kitchen cabinets for a chalice. You probably already own a glass or cup that will do the job perfectly. Some women have even gone so simply that they use a paper cup as a chalice.

In order to make a chalice, you'd need carpentry and/or whittling skills to carve one out of wood. Or you'd need smithing skills to make a chalice out of metal. Not to mention, you'd also need to have all the tools necessary to make these types of chalices. If you enjoy working with clay, then you could use that to create a chalice. If you are more into pottery and have access to a kiln, you can throw your own chalice. While it may seem fun to try and make your own chalice, it's usually much cheaper to just buy one.

If money is a concern for you, simply start by looking in your own kitchen cabinets for a wine glass that can become your chalice. Or, if you are looking for something more sentimental and special, why don't you ask about using one of your grandmother's wine glasses or goblets? When a tool is as easy to find as a chalice is, it's often better to buy that tool instead of trying to make it on your own.

Consecrating Your Chalice

It is very important that you consecrate your chalice before placing it onto your altar or bringing it into sacred space for use in rituals or other types of witch-work. This will clear out any energy that built up on and around the chalice during its journey to you. It will also ready the tool for use in the Goddess' honor.

The method you use to consecrate your ritual tools, including a chalice, is up to you. Some women cast a circle and perform an elaborate ritual. Other women will simplify the ritual to just saying a few words as they pass the chalice through a candle's flame, and incense smoke, then sprinkle blessed salt water onto it. You can use your own consecration methods, or learn a new one from your Order of the White Moon Sisters.

Here are some links to help you learn more about using a chalice in your Craft:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chalice
http://www.witchcraftandwitches.com/terms_chalice.html
http://www.unexplainable.net/religion/wiccan_and_pagan_cups_chalices_goblets_for_sale.php
http://www.paganlore.com/chalice.aspx © Janis Bennett

Janis is a student in Phoenix Rising Goddess School.

 

Sacred Sites

The Externsteine

Rising out of the Teutoburg Forest, in the sacred heartland of Germany, is the rock formation known as the Externsteine. The site, sometimes referred to as the Dragon Stones, consists of thirteen stone columns, surrounded by oak trees, springs and healing mineral waters. Upon the summits of some of the columns can be found precariously balanced stones which have remained in place for millennia (they have since been anchored in place as a safety measure). Some of the columns can be accessed via staircases and bridges. Distinct shapes appear in the stones such as large heads, faces and various figures. Some of these naturally occurring shapes have been slightly altered by humans over the years to enhance their features.

The Stones are steeped in mystery. Tools dating to 10,000 BCE have been found, yet there is little evidence of occupation until the 5th century. Nestled along an ancient trade route, the site is likely to have been a place of pilgrimage rather than a settlement. When the area was conquered by Charlemagne in 772, the site became a Christian Monastery. Most traces of pagan worship were probably obliterated at this time.

The largest of the stones has three man-made grottos carved out of it, linked by passageways. One of the caves contains a large stone with the words Irminsul carved on it. Within this cave is a winged figure cut from the rock. It is known as the Eagle, but it is possible the figure may in fact be an ancient image of a winged Goddess. Other reliefs cut into the stone depict scenes such as ChristÕs descent from the cross and Charlemagne destroying the Irminsul.

Throughout the site, niches have been carved out of the sandstone, their function now lost in time. One of these appears to be a tomb, possibly used for initiation rituals rather than burial rites. Some carvings suggest the site was used to worship Mithras during Roman occupation.

Externsteine was considered one of the World Mountains and the Navel of the Earth Mother. Some scholars believe it to be the site of the Irminsul (the World Tree) which features prominently in Teutonic mythology. The Stones are believed to be linked to other sacred sites in Europe via ley lines and the area itself is associated with the Root Chakra.

The central rock is also the tallest of the stones. At the peak, a small chamber has been hewn out of the stone. No one knows the origins of this chamber but it may have been used as an ancient astrological observatory. It contains what appears to be an altar above which is a small circular window. The window faces the sunrise at the Summer Solstice as well as the moon at her northernmost point in the sky. One can easily picture a Priestess residing within this lofty structure, tracking celestial events, and it's likely that this may have actually occurred.

The Veleda was a Priestess/Oracle of the Bructeri people who lived in the area. Men were not allowed to lay eyes on her, making the remote peak at Externsteine an ideal place to relay her prophecies. The Veleda was eventually captured by the Romans in the late 1st century. She went on to assist the Romans in negotiating with hostile tribes prior to her disappearing from all records.

Despite the lack of information available on this ancient site, one can certainly feel the power of the Goddess within and around the Dragon Stones of the Externsteine.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Externsteine
http://www.philipcoppens.com/irminsul.html
http://www.livius.org/person/veleda/
http://monicasjoo.org/artic/externsteine.htm
Magickal Places by Patricia Telesco © Ajna DreamsAwake

Ajna DreamsAwake is a High Priestess and founder of Dark Moon's Heart School.  Her personal journey of self-discovery continues as she supports and guides women along their own healing paths.
 

OWM Awareness

Happenings in The Order of the White Moon

We are delighted to welcome each and every one of our new students in Dark Moon's Heart, Sisters of the Rising Moon, Sacred Three, and Phoenix Rising. In particular, I send a warm welcome to the newest students in Dark MoonÕs Heart and The Sacred Three! We are always happy when sisters find their a spiritual home in OWM!

 
If you're not an OWM student and you'd like to learn more about the Order of the White Moon, the schools offering Traditional White Moon Studies, or browse the Goddess Gallery, we welcome you to learn about us!

 

May the Peaceful, Compassionate and Healing Presence of the Goddess be with you now and always.

 
HP Ka Wahine Ahi is the President of the Board of Directors and the Head of the Order. She teaches White Moon lessons to women in the school that she founded, The Sisters of the Rising Moon School of the Feminine Divine.
 

The Bardic Soul: Poetry and Song for the Spirit

Our Eternal Goddess

 
I am the goddess, who loves you
And nurtures you always;
I am to be found in the beauty
Of the Earth and all its creatures.

 
Come be with me, who adore you
And surround you with love;
Let your Soul come to me,
So that I may cradle you in my arms.

 
Let the rain that falls from heavens
Cleanse your heart and body...
Dance in worship and delight,
While my silver moon glows for you.

 
These bodies that I have made for you
Are beautiful and sacred;
Everything about them is a delight
And brings forth love and sensuality.

 
If you keep me within your soul
I will be everywhere in your life;
And all paths will lead you back to me,
Your New and Ancient Mother.

   © Copyright 12/14/08
Beth Clare Johnson
(Mystic Amazon)

Mystic Amazon is a High Priestess of the Order of the White Moon and an Ordained Minister, currently teaching at Sisters of the Rising Moon School. Her hobbies include writing, folk art, folk magick, Reiki, and reading.

Great Goddess Tara

 
Great Goddess Tara,
Goddess of Peace and Protection,
We beseech you,
Bring Peace to the World
Protect our Mother Earth.
Replace aggression with tolerance.
Help us cherish our differences.
Show us how to love our Mother,
How not to cause Her harm.
Help us take care of our Mother
As our Mother takes care of us.

 
Great Goddess Tara,
We beseech you,
Bring Peace to the World.
Protect our Mother Earth.

© Peace Whitehorse

 

Pet Passing Blessing

 
Bless this pet that is so loved.
I ask you now to touch [his/her] soul.
Goddess, we beseech Thee thus Š
Take [his/her] pain and make [him/her] whole.

 
Be with me now as I let go
Of one who is very precious to me.
Be with [him/her] as [he/she] lets go
Of me to travel on to Thee.

 
Take the pain and take the fear,
Make [his/her] soul as light as air.
Take [him/her] up into Your arms,
Harm not upon [his/her] head a hair.

 
Let [him/her] never, ever doubt
How very loved that [he/she] has been.
How hard it was to let [him/her] go,
And that [he/she] will never be forgotten.

 
Goddess, take this precious soul
Of my faithful trusting friend,
Keep [him/her] safe and keep [him/her] warm,
My love for [him/her] will never end.

 
All this I do ask of Thee,
Give us peace, so mote it be.

© Peace Whitehorse

 

Prayer for One Who Has Passed Over

 
Hecate we pray for one who has left us
And passed to the Summerland.
We call on you on behalf of NAME.
Please comfort HIM/HER and take HIS/HER hand.

 
Help HIM/HER to cross over
From this life to the next one,
And in between to rest a while
Beneath the shining Sun.

 
Show HIM/HER the path to walk
And help HIM/HER find HIS/HER bliss.
Help HIM/HER to see that all is well,
And let HIM/HER know that HE/SHE is missed.

 
If HE/SHE be a new soul to this,
Teach HIM/HER what HE/SHE needs to know
To be comfortable where HE/SHE is now
And to help HIS/HER loved ones below.

 
No more Earthly worries,
No more Earthly pain,
Until it's time to return to Earth
And be reborn again.

 
Show HIM/HER around the Summerland,
And show HIM/HER how to see
That HIS/HER loved ones left behind,
Are well, so mote it be.

© Peace Whitehorse

 

Prayer for Those Left Behind

 
Goddess I call upon you
On [NAME]'s behalf.
And on that of those left behind
To walk a lonely path.

 
Give inner peace and peace of mind
To those who for [NAME] do keen.
This person passed beyond the veil,
No more here to be seen.

 
A dear one has departed here,
And will wait in Summerland
Until [HIS/HER] last loved one is gone,
So as to lend a hand.

 
Let them know that they can call
Upon their earth-lost love
And [HE/SHE] will come to them
Like a swift and shining dove.

 
Let them celebrate the life,
And not dwell on their pain,
Ease the hurt and ease the grief,
And let them breathe again.

© Peace Whitehorse

 

Prayer to Kwan Yin

 
Kwan Yin, Goddess of Mercy and Compassion,
She who hears and answers all prayers,
Hear me now.

 
There are many of your children suffering,
Struggling, just to get through the day,
Help them now.

 
Many have no jobs, Or struggle on their wages,
Or are treated poorly at their job,
Bless them now.

 
There are many who are ill, or have disabilities
With no access to medical care,
Heal them now.

 
Many suffer with mental and emotional pain
And see no way out,
Lead them now.

 
Many live in fear of losing a job or a home,
Fear of losing all that they have,
Protect them now.

 
Many are abused and mistreated,
By another person or by the world,
Love them now.

 
Your children cry out for help,
They are disillusioned and sick at heart,
Hold them now.

 
Life is too hard for many,
They feel like giving up,
Strengthen them now.

 
Kwan Yin, Goddess of Mercy and Compassion,
She who hears and answers all prayers,
Hear them now, Help them now, Bless them now.
Heal them now, Lead them now, Protect them now.
Hold them now, Love them now, Strengthen them now.
Kwan Yin, Goddess of Mercy and Compassion,
Hear and answer my prayer.

© Peace Whitehorse

 

Peace Whitehorse is a graduate of The Sacred Three Goddess School and a High Priestess in the Order of the White Moon.  She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and her Shetland sheepdogs, and is active in Sheltie Rescue.

Recipes Fit for a Goddess

Apple Bread

Ingredients:
500 g (2 cups)Apples
250 g (1 cup) Flour
150 g (1/2 cup)Sugar
16 g (1tbsp) Vanilla-Sugar
7.5 g (1 1/2 tsp) Baking Powder
4 eggs
Cinnamon

Mix the flour, sugar, vanilla-sugar, baking powder, eggs and cinnamon. Peel the apples, remove the core and seeds. Cut the apples into small pieces. Add them to the batter. Put all in a greased loaf pan, bake for 40 - 45 minutes at 160°C (325°F).

Just For Fun

Orange and Apple Candle Holders

For the orange candles, you need thick-skinned oranges. Cut the top, with a sharp knife cut out and use a spoon to scrape out the flesh. Now you can put a votive candle or tea light in the orange.

For the apple candleholders, you just take some nice red apples and take out the core with some special knife Š or any sharp knife Š until the candle fits in.

© Morrigan

My name is Morrigan. I am a Priestess of Morrigan and practice Shamanism, Runes, Tarot and Usui Reiki.  I am a sister in the  Sacred Three Goddess School.

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Many blessings to you and yours,
Seasons of The Moon Staff

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